When I created this, I was with an 8th grade math class that was studying functions, and I needed a way for them to understand that the same function can be represented in different ways. I ended up searching websites until I had enough ideas to put together a card sort that contained 5 different rules that were each represented by a table, mapping, and a graph. After having a short class discussion about different ways to display the same function, I gave groups of 4-5 students a shuffled baggie with the function cards that I made. I instructed my students to match the functions to their rule and told them that they should end up with 5 groups of 4. They were able to solve this challenge using any kind of method or strategy that they wanted to as long as all members were contributing.
At first, many looked at the cards as a daunting challenge. However, after discussion with their peers, I could see they they were wrestling with these concepts. As I watched the groups, they began to attempt to meet the challenge through different systems. Some students began with the rule (easiest for me) while others started with a table or graph. Eventually, I could see students actually trying to comprehend functions as a whole rather than practicing the common "plug and chug" method, where they simply repeat whatever method of solving I demonstrate that day. It really made my day when a student who was struggling at first finally looked up and told me, "Oh, this is easy!"
At first, many looked at the cards as a daunting challenge. However, after discussion with their peers, I could see they they were wrestling with these concepts. As I watched the groups, they began to attempt to meet the challenge through different systems. Some students began with the rule (easiest for me) while others started with a table or graph. Eventually, I could see students actually trying to comprehend functions as a whole rather than practicing the common "plug and chug" method, where they simply repeat whatever method of solving I demonstrate that day. It really made my day when a student who was struggling at first finally looked up and told me, "Oh, this is easy!"